How do I sponsor a migrant worker?
The certificate of sponsorship
This page explains what a certificate of sponsorship is under the points-based system.
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What is a certificate of sponsorship?
A certificate of sponsorship is not a paper certificate like a work permit. It is a 'virtual document', with a unique reference number which you issue to a migrant so that they can apply for permission to enter the UK if they are overseas (known as 'entry clearance'), or permission to stay in the UK if they are already here (known as 'leave to remain').
You must use the sponsorship management system to assign a certificate of sponsorship.
See the section on costs to find out the fees for certificates of sponsorship.
Certificates of sponsorship in the creative sector
In the creative sector, sometimes a migrant is needed to perform a number of engagements at various venues. If you are sponsoring a single migrant (for example, if you are an agent), and there are no more than 14 calendar days between each engagement, you can assign a single certificate of sponsorship to cover the whole period. If there is a gap of more than 14 calendar days between engagements, the migrant will have to leave the UK and apply for permission to enter again.
If the migrant is sponsored by the individual venues, producers or promoters, each sponsor can assign a certificate of sponsorship to cover its own show. These certificates of sponsorship must not overlap. If there are no more than 14 calendar days between each engagement, we will give the migrant permission to enter the UK to cover the whole period. If there is a gap of more than 14 calendar days between engagements, the migrant will have to leave the UK between engagements and apply for permission to enter again.
These certificates of sponsorship can include any rehearsal periods required. You must make sure that you assign certificates of sponsorship only for the period required. If we find that a certificate has been assigned wrongly, we will take appropriate action against you.
Group certificates of sponsorship
Under the creative and sporting category of Tier 5, you must give each individual migrant a certificate of sponsorship number. Then you must link all of the individual certificates to a group in the sponsorship management system. Membership of a group may include:
- the migrant's entourage - this can include people whose work is directly related to the employment of an entertainer, cultural artist, sportsperson or a dramatic production, if they have proven technical or other specialist skills; and/or
- all the members of a unit company such as a ballet company or other dance group, circus troupe, orchestra or other group of musicians, or theatre group who want to come to the UK to fulfil a contractual obligation to perform as a group here.
You will only have to pay for 1 certificate of sponsorship.
Multiple entry certificates of sponsorship
Multiple entry certificates of sponsorship may be assigned under any category of Tiers 2 and 5. They allow migrants who are based overseas to enter the UK on a regular basis within the time given on the certificate, to work for the same sponsor.
If a migrant has been given permission to enter or stay for more than 6 months on a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship, you will not need to assign them a new certificate of sponsorship each time they need to work here.
This type of certificate is not needed by a migrant who wants to travel overseas for leisure or domestic purposes, or who is based in the UK and has to travel overseas on business. See the Business and special visitors section for more information.
If the migrant does not have permission to enter or has less than 6 months' permission to stay, that permission ends if they leave the common travel area (the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands). The migrant will not be able to re-enter the UK with that permission, and must apply for new permission to enter with a new certificate of sponsorship.
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Terms explained
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Certificate of sponsorship
A 'virtual document' assigned by an employer (which must be a licensed sponsor) to a migrant. The migrant must quote the certificate's reference number when applying for permission to work in the UK under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system.
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Confirmation of acceptance for studies
A 'virtual document' assigned by an education provider (which must be a licensed sponsor) to a migrant. The migrant must quote the reference number for their confirmation of acceptance for studies when they apply for permission to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system.
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Sponsorship management system
An IT system used by organisations that sponsor migrants under the points-based system. It allows sponsors to allocate certificates of sponsorship to migrants, carry out the administrative functions necessary to comply with their sponsor obligations and duties, and communicate information to us.